Sliding sash window assembly

ABSTRACT

A sliding window sash assembly glazed with vinyl film and adapted for easy attachment to framework openings in screened enclosures and the like for use as a windbreak under adverse weather conditions is described. Both the window framework and the sash frameworks are fabricated or thin wall section extruded aluminum members, and to prevent sticking and jamming of the sashes in the frame, vinyl slide members are provided between the insides of the frame and the outsides of the sashes, the slides being somewhat loosely affixed in the lateral direction with respect to the sashes and including adjustable means for controlling the sliding friction of the slide members with respect to the insides of the window frame.

United States Patent [72] Inventor James R. Moose Miami, Fla. [211 App]. No. 820,171 [22] Filed Apr. 29. 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 3, 1971 [73] Assignee Foldown Awnings Inc.

[54] SLIDING SASII WINDOW ASSEMBLY 8 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. C1 49/4119, 160/87 [51] Int. Cl E061) 3/44 [50] Field of Search 160/87, 89, 90; 49/125, 207, 404, 428, 431, 419, 421, 433, 436, 437, 438, 450, 451, 454, 455, 457, 464

[56} References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,096,540 5/1914 Johnson 49/433 1,211,920 1/1917 Comeau 49/421 1.453.280 5/1923 Park 49/431 X 1,568,284 1/1926 Kulage et a1. 49/431 1,751,358 3/1930 Rice etal 49/125 X Primary Emminer- David J. Williamowsky Assistant E.raminer Philip C. Kannan Al!0rney-Ernest H. Schmidt ABSTRACT: A sliding window sash assembly glazed with vinyl film and adapted for easy attachment to framework openings in screened enclosures and the like for use as a windbreak under adverse weather conditions is described. Both the window framework and the sash frameworks are fabricated or thin wall section extruded aluminum members, and to prevent sticking and jamming of the sashes in the frame, vinyl slide members are provided between the insides of the frame and the outsides of the sashes, the slides being somewhat loosely affixed in the lateral direction with respect to the sashes and including adjustable means for controlling the sliding friction of the slide members with respect to the insides of the window frame.

PATENIEB mm mm SHEET 1 OF 3 HTTOPNE PATENTEUAUB 31914 3 595,404

sum 2 [1F 3 A TTOR'IUEY SLIDING SASII WINDOW ASSEMBLY This invention relates to windows and is directed particularly to improvements in sliding sash window frames for use in association with preexisting supporting framework openings in screened enclosures and the like.

Various types of inexpensive and lightweight sliding sash window assemblies have heretofore been devised for attachment to preexisting screen openings and the like to provide a measure of weather protection, particularly during winter months. Such sliding sash windows heretofore known, however, are deficient in various respects, principally in that they are either too heavy and costly for general usage or, if of light and inexpensive construction, were subject to sticking or jamming of the sash members in their up and down sliding movement.

It is, accordingly, the principal object of this invention to provide a sliding sash window assembly of the character described which can readily be constructed of thin wall sec tion, extruded aluminum parts for economy of manufacture, and which utilized a tough vinyl film as the glazing material in the sliding sashes for lightness, durability, and ease of installa tion instead of the usual glass, and which includes a free-floating mechanism between the sash and frame members to ensure easy and foolproof sliding action of the sashes, even under conditions ofwindow frame distortion.

It is a more particular object to provide a multiple sliding sash window assembly of the above nature described wherein elongated vinyl slides are used as intermediate members between the opposed stile or side members of the window frame and the stile or side members of the associated sashes, the slides being somewhat loosely attached to the sashes in the horizontal or lateral direction to prevent side-to-side jamming, and including frictional contact adjustment means between the vinyl slides and the window frame stiles enabling adjustment of sash tightness in the frame to the desired amount for ease of operation of the sashes.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multiple sliding sash window assembly including easily operated attachment mechanism for removing and replacing the window sashes in their frame.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote the corresponding parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is an inside elevational view of a typical aluminum screen framework opening in which the sliding sash windbreaker window assembly embodying the invention can be affixed;

FIG. 2 is an inside or front elevational view ofa sliding sash Windbreaker window assembly embodying the invention shown applied to the screening framework opening of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the window sashes all in their downwardmost positions;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows and illustrating constructional details of the Windbreaker window assembly;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view, on an enlarged scale, of the upper end portion of the cross section illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view, on an enlarged scale, of the lower end portion of the cross section illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows, illustrating constructional details of the Windbreaker window assembly;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line 10-10 ofFIG. 7 in the direction ofthe arrows;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of a corner portion of one of the window sashes and its associated vinyl slide,

illustrating how the sashes can be removed from the window frame; and

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. MB and illustrating one of the clip mechanisms by means of which the sash-locking pins are held in place.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the reference numeral ill in FIGS. 2 and 3 designates, generally, a sliding sash Windbreaker window assembly embodying the invention, the same being comprised of a window frame 11 and window sashes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d vertically slidably arranged in said window frame, as is hereinafter described. FIG. 3 illustrates the window assembly with its sashes all in their lowermost positions to provide maximum window opening. As hereinafter more particularly described the window frame 11 is provided with an outwardly extending peripheral flange, and is of such rectangular size as to fit into a screen framework opening F illustrated in FIG. I, which will ordinarily be one of a plurality of screen framework openings in a screened patio or the like. The sashes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d will preferably be glazed with sheet vinyl film, approximately l0 mills in thickness, instead of the usual glass, for economy, durability and lightness in weight. Additionally, the vinyl glazing can be either clear, opaque or tinted, as desired.

The window frame 11, which is preferably fabricated of extruded aluminum parts, comprises a window frame header member 13, a window frame sill member 14 and side frame or stile members 15 and 16, respectively. As is best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4,5 and 8, the window frame header member 13 is integrally formed with an elongated, horizontal wall portion 17, a short downwardly extending front skirt portion 18, and an upwardly extending vertical flange portion 19 spaced somewhat rearwardly of said front skirt portion. The header member 13 is also formed, along the rear end thereof, with a recessed boss 20 defining an inverted T-groove 21 fitted with an outwardly extending vinyl seal member 22 adapted to abut against the inside-of the screen framework F to which the window is assembled, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The window frame header member 13 is further formed along its length with a downwardly extending rear end portion 23 terminating in an outwardly offset skirt portion 24 along the inside of which is an inwardly directed boss 25 having a T-groove 26 received within which is a vinyl seal 27, said seal being adapted to seal along the upper edge of the innermost window sash 12a when in its uppermost position.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 9, the window frame sill member 14 is integrally formed along its length with an elongated wall portion 28 having an upwardly extending front skirt portion 29 and a downwardly extending flange portion 30 spaced somewhat rearwardly of said skirt portion. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the skirt portion 29 and the flange portion 30 are parallel with one another, butjoin with the wall portion 28 at angles slightly removed from the perpendicular to effect a downward slope from the inside to the outside of the wall portion 28. The elongated wall portion 28 of the window frame sill member 14 is also integrally formed along its length with a downwardly extending spacer web portion 31, and the flange portion 30 of said wall portion is formed along its length with a rearwardly extending abutment lip portion 32 which, together with the lower end of the spacer web portion 31, provides abutment means for locating the sill against the bottom rail of a screen framework F. The sill member wall portion 28 is further formed along its outer end with a downwardly extending boss 33 provided along its length with a T-groove recess 34 for the reception of a vinyl seal 35. The window frame side frame members or stile members 15 and 16, as is best illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 9, are identical in cross-sectional shape and comprise an elongated sidewall portion 36 integrally formed along its length with front and back, inwardly extending skirt portion 37, 38, respectively, and an outwardly extending flange portion 39 parallel with said front skirt portion at a position somewhat to the rear thereof. The outsides of the sidewall portions 36 of the side frame members 15 and 16 are each integrally formed along their lengths, at that portion thereof between the outwardly extending flange portion 39 and the back or rear skirt portion 38, with mutually spaced bosses 40, 41 formed with coextensive arcuate recesses 42 which serve as attachment means for assembly of the window frame 11 with the use of self-tapping screws, as is hereinbelow more particularly described. The side frame members 15, 16 are also formed, along the insides of their elongated horizontal wall portion 36, with mutually equidistantly spaced, inwardly extending guide rails 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, which are T-shaped in cross section.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the window frame 11 is secured in assembled relation by the means of self-tapping screws 44 extending through openings in the horizontal wall portion 17 of the window frame header member 13 into the upper end openings of the bosses 40, 41 of the side frame members 15, 16, and self-tapping screws 45 extending through openings in the wall portion 28 of the frame sill member 14 into the lower end openings of said bosses. The window frame 11 will be of such size as to fit within the screen opening of a screen framework F, with the flange portions 19, 30 and 39 of the frame header member, sill member and frame members 15 and 16 thereof overlying marginal inner wall portions of said screen framework and being attached thereto as by selftapping screws 46. As illustrated in FIGS. 4, when so installed the vinyl seal members 22 and 35 will seal against the insides of the top and bottom rails of the screen framework opening to prevent leakage of air.

The window sashesl2a, 12b, 12c, 12d are identical in construction, being formed of extruded aluminum members comprising sash frame upper and lower members 47, 48, respectively, held in space, parallel relation by means of identical sash frame side members 49 and 50. The sash frame upper member is formed along its length (see FIG. with an inwardly facing, rectangular open channel 51 below which is a coextensive, relatively small rearwardly extending open rectangular channel 52. The front open ends of the channel 51 are integrally formed with upper and lower downwardly extending lips 53, 54, respectively. The upper wall of the rectangular open channel 51 is integrally formed along its length with a rearwardly extending projection 55 which is T-shaped in cross section. The sash frame lower member 58 is identical in construction to that of the sash frame upper member 47, but is turned end for end so that the larger rectangular open channel 51 is nearest to the outside of the sash, (see FIG. 6).

The sash frame side members 49 and 50 are also identical in construction and are formed with an outwardly extending open rectangular channel 56, the outer marginal edge portions of which are provided with inwardly extending opposed lips 57. Each sash frame side member is also formed along its length, adjacent the inner end of the rectangular channel 56, with a rearwardly open channel 58 of substantially arcuate cross-sectionalshape, end portions of which, as is hereinbelow described serve as attachment means for self-tapping screws in the assembly of the sash, Each sash frame side member 49, 50 is also formed along its length, at the inside thereof, with a coextensive substantially rectangular channel 59, open to the rear. As is best illustrated in FIGS. and 11, channel sidewall portions of the sash frame upper and lower members 57 and 58 are cut away at the ends thereof to receive in interfitting engagement the ends of the sash frame side members 49, 50, and said sash frame members are assembled in relatively fixed disposition by means of self'tapping screws 60 extending through openings in said upper and lower sash frame members into attachment means afforded by end portions of the arcuate channels 58 in said sash frame side members The assembled sashes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are glazed with vinyl film 61 sheeting held in place by a vinyl spline 62 press fitted within their rectangular channels 52, in the sash frame upper and lower members 47 and 48, and the channels 59 in the sash frame side members 49, 50 (see FIGS. 4, 5,6 and 7).

Means is provided for slidably mounting the window sashes 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d in the window frame 11. To this end,

each sash is provided with a pair of vinyl slides 63, one at each side, (see FIGS. 7, l0 and 11). Each vinyl slide 63, which is uniform in cross-sectional shape, is formed with a rectangular shank portion 64 extending from a slightly reduced neck portion 464a, and is of such cross-sectional size and shape as to be somewhat loosely received within the rectangular channel 56 of each of the sash frame side members 49, 50 as constrained by the inwardly extending lips of said channels. Each vinyl slide 63 is formed along its outer end with a head portion 65 formed along its length with a central, T-shaped slot 66 open to the outside and of such size and shape as to receive therein one each of opposed pairs of the inwardly extending T-shaped guide rails 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d formed along the insides of the side frame members 15 and 17 of the window frame 11. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the vinyl slides 63 are of substantially the same length as the height of the window sashes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12:1, to which they are applied, and are removably affixed thereto by means of headed interlock pins 67 extending laterally from the inside through openings in the sash frame side members 49 and 50 into respective cylindrical openings 68 in said vinyl slides. A detent spring 69 secured in place by a rivet 70, (see also FIG. 12), and having spring fingers adjacent the headed pin opening in the sash frame side members 49, 50 is cooperative with circumferential detent grooves 71 and 72 in the interlock pin 67 to retain said pin in either locking or unlocking position with respect to its associated vinyls slide 63, as represented by the broken and full line representatives, respectively, of said locking pin in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 illustrates how any one of the window sashes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d can be removed from the window frame assembly by sliding down and away from its associated vinyl slides 63 after first having withdrawn its headed interlock pins 67 to their outer or unlocking position, as represented by the broken line position thereofin FIG. 10.

Means is provided for adjusting the frictional sliding effort required in moving the sash members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d up and down within the window frame 11. To this end, the ends of each of the vinyl slides 63 are obliquely drilled to the outside to communicate with the T-shaped slots 66, and upper and lower nylon friction screws 73, 74 are threaded in said drilled openings. Alternatively, instead of using nylon screws, short cylindrical nylon plugs could be fitted in unthreaded openings and adjustably secured in place by self-tapping metal screws. In operation, the inner ends of the friction screws 73, 74 (or nylon plugs if such are used), will bear against the outsides of their associated guide rails 45 so that frictional contact will be made with the vinyl slides 63. By adjusting the tightness of the screws 73, 74, the frictional fit of the ashes within their window frame can readily be adjusted to suit the requirements of the user under all temperature conditions. At the same time, no matter how tight" the frictional fit of the sashes in the frame might be, the slightly free-floating arrangement of the sash frames with respect to their vinyl slides 63 will prevent such jamming as otherwise might occur due to out-of-square conditions in the window frame and in the individual sash frame.

While I have illustrated and described herein only one form in which the invention can conveniently be embodied in practice, it is to be understood that this form is presented by way of example only and not in a limiting sense. For example, although vinyl film has been described and illustrated herein as the glazing material in the sashes, ordinary glass could alternatively be used.

The invention, in brief, comprises all the embodiments and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A sliding sash window assembly comprising, in combination, a rectangular window frame having respective upper and lower frame header and sill members interjoined at their ends with opposed, parallel side frame members, a plurality of rectangular, window sashes, means slidingly interconnecting said sashes in said window frame for relative sliding up and down movement therein, said interconnecting means comprising adjustable frictional contact means between said sashes and said frame for fractionally retaining said sashes in adjusted vertical positions in said frame. said interconnection means further comprising means permitting limited floating movement of said sashes with respect to said interconnecting means to minimize the possibility of jamming of said sashes in their up and down movements in said frame, said window frame and said window sashes being fabricated of extruded metal members, said adjustable frictional contact means comprising a plurality of synthetic plastic members guide rails formed along the insides ofsaid side frame members, and means for adjustability pressing said plastic members against said guide rails. (A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein) said synthetic plastic members being substantially cylindrical in shape and said means for adjustably pressing said plastic members comprising cylindrical openings within which said synthetic plastic members are fitted, said cylindrical openings being arranged to define acute angles with respect to said guide rails.

2. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said synthetic plastic members are in the form of nylon screws threaded in said cylindrical openings.

3. A sliding sash window assembly comprising, in combination, a rectangular window frame having respective upper and lower frame header and sill members interjoined at their ends with opposed, parallel side frame members, a plurality of rectangular window sashes, means slidingly interconnecting said sashes in said window frame for relative sliding up and down movement therein, said interconnecting means comprising adjustable frictional contact means between said sashes and said frame for frictionally retaining said sashes in adjusted vertical positions in said frame, said interconnecting means further comprising means permitting limited floating movement of said sashes with respect to said interconnecting means to minimize the possibility of jamming of said sashes in their up and down movements in said frame, being fabricated of extruded formed with a plurality of opposed pairs of guide rail members, one opposed pair for each of said sashes, said guide rails being substantially T-shpaed in cross section, said interconnecting means comprising elongated synthetic plastic slide members, one for each of said guide rails, said slide members each being formed along one side with a coextensive T- shaped slot slidingly received within which are one each of said guide rails, said slide members being formed along the other sides thereof with coextensive shank portions of increased cross-sectional size, said shank portion being slidably received within and along channels provided along the outsides of the vertical side members of said rectangular sash frames and being somewhat loosely received therein.

4. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 3, including releasable means for retaining said slide members in adjusted longitudinal position with respect to their associated sash frame channels.

5. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said slide member retaining means comprises an interlock pin received in a horizontal opening in a side member of said sash frame and receivable in a horizontal, inwardly ex tending opening in one of said slide members.

6. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said adjustable frictional contact means comprises a plurality of synthetic plastic memlbers received in bores in upper end portions of said plastic slide members, said bores being arranged to define acute angles with respect to their associated guide rails.

7. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein said synthetic plastic members are in the form of nylon screws threadingly received in said bores.

8. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 7, wherein said sashes are glazed with vinyl film. 

1. A sliding sash window assembly comprising, in combination, a rectangular window frame having respective upper and lower frame header and sill members interjoined at their ends with opposed, parallel side frame members, a plurality of rectangular window sashes, means slidingly interconnecting said sashes in said window frame for relative sliding up and down movement therein, said interconnecting means comprising adjustable frictional contact means between said sashes and said frame for fractionally retaining said sashes in adjusted vertical positions in said frame, said interconnection means further comprising means permitting limited floating movement of said sashes with respect to said interconnecting means to minimize the possibility of jamming of said sashes in their up and down movements in said frame, said window frame and said window sashes being fabricated of extruded metal members, said adjustable frictional contact means comprising a plurality of synthetic plastic members guide rails formed along the insides of said side frame members, and means for adjustability pressing said plastic members against said guide rails. (A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein) said synthetic plastic members being substantially cylindrical in shape and said means for adjustably pressing said plastic members comprising cylindrical openings within which said synthetic plastic members are fitted, said cylindrical openings being arranged to define acute angles with respect to said guide rails.
 2. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said synthetic plastic meMbers are in the form of nylon screws threaded in said cylindrical openings.
 3. A sliding sash window assembly comprising, in combination, a rectangular window frame having respective upper and lower frame header and sill members interjoined at their ends with opposed, parallel side frame members, a plurality of rectangular window sashes, means slidingly interconnecting said sashes in said window frame for relative sliding up and down movement therein, said interconnecting means comprising adjustable frictional contact means between said sashes and said frame for frictionally retaining said sashes in adjusted vertical positions in said frame, said interconnecting means further comprising means permitting limited floating movement of said sashes with respect to said interconnecting means to minimize the possibility of jamming of said sashes in their up and down movements in said frame, being fabricated of extruded formed with a plurality of opposed pairs of guide rail members, one opposed pair for each of said sashes, said guide rails being substantially T-shpaed in cross section, said interconnecting means comprising elongated, synthetic plastic slide members, one for each of said guide rails, said slide members each being formed along one side with a coextensive T-shaped slot slidingly received within which are one each of said guide rails, said slide members being formed along the other sides thereof with coextensive shank portions of increased cross-sectional size, said shank portion being slidably received within and along channels provided along the outsides of the vertical side members of said rectangular sash frames and being somewhat loosely received therein.
 4. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 3, including releasable means for retaining said slide members in adjusted longitudinal position with respect to their associated sash frame channels.
 5. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said slide member retaining means comprises an interlock pin received in a horizontal opening in a side member of said sash frame and receivable in a horizontal, inwardly extending opening in one of said slide members.
 6. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said adjustable frictional contact means comprises a plurality of synthetic plastic members received in bores in upper end portions of said plastic slide members, said bores being arranged to define acute angles with respect to their associated guide rails.
 7. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein said synthetic plastic members are in the form of nylon screws threadingly received in said bores.
 8. A sliding sash window assembly as defined in claim 7, wherein said sashes are glazed with vinyl film. 